Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
least 1000 ft. (300 m) apart. Cultivated burdock can cross with naturalized burdock growing in the
wild.
GROWING FOR SEED
Burdock is sown in late spring and harvested in autumn. If sown too early, the
root will become hollow and too thick. Plants are biennial and tolerate intense heat and intense cold.
Dig up roots in autumn for selection. In moist sand or in a mixture of wood shavings and cocopeat,
roots can be overwintered in a root cellar just like carrots. Plant out in early spring at 30 by 40 in. (80
by 100 cm). Seed stalks can grow to be over 6 ft. (2 m) tall and require sturdy poles for support.
HARVEST
Harvest fruits (burrs) when they become dry and brownish. Finches and other birds like to
feed on burdock seed as well, so you may need to consider covering seed stalks with bird netting as
seeds ripen. Only fully ripened fruits thresh well.
Burdock seeds
The unusual flower of edible burdock
SELECTION CHARACTERISTICS
The most important criterium is its workability in the kitchen: select
for smooth and unbranched roots. The ideal size depends on what the root will be used for. Thicker,
shorter roots are easier to pull from the ground in one piece.
DISEASES AND PESTS
The fungal disease powdery mildew (
Erysiphe cichoracearum
) can affect the
seed stalks of burdock. Although this is not technically a seed-borne disease, a case of powdery mil-
dew infection can be so severe that spores cover the seeds. Greater plant separation (one plant per 10
ft.
2
[1 m
2
]) may help prevent outbreak. Massive aphid infestations on flowers and buds can reduce seed
yield; treat early.
